Goemkarponn desk
VALPOI:
Last week’s flash floods have caused immense damage to agriculture in Sattari taluka, and experts say the losses may be over half a crore rupees.
Rains, floods, and resultant losses are not something new to Sattari, but how the State government handles the same is an enormous concern.
Last year too there was considerable damage to the crops. However, the compensation to the farmers’ account is almost negligible.
The compensation for crop losses is to help farmers overcome losses, but the meagre compensation seems to be only symbolic.
Amidst the flash floods last week, farmers say the government and Department of Agriculture have to adopt a balanced policy to not face hardships.
“We run from pillar to post for this meagre compensation as if we are begging every time. The government has to consider timely and fair compensation for losses,” farmers said.
The farmers say the Agriculture Department is currently conducting a survey of the affected areas in Sattari taluka.
“It is estimated that the loss will be around Rs. 50 lakhs. However, after the survey, the amount of compensation should be credited to the account of the farmers immediately, and also the compensation has to be satisfactory,” said experts.
They said that after suffering huge losses and almost begging for compensation, it is difficult to continue agriculture.
According to the Divisional Agriculture Officer, Vishwanath Gavas, the damage of agriculture and horticulture from Uste village to Gaganje is estimated to be around Rs. 50 lakhs.
The survey will be completed in two days, he said.
He said that about 70 applications have been submitted by the farmers to the Divisional Agriculture Office at present.
“The rest of the farmers are requested to submit their applications within seven days. Most of the banana plantations have been damaged,” he said.
The officer said that the flow of water increased tremendously, and this caused damage to the banana orchards.
“Farmers are requested to immediately submit a photo of the damage to their horticulture along with their agricultural cards,” he said.
Ranjit Rane’s banana plantation at Sonal Sattari was severely damaged.
He had suffered a similar blow last year.
Ranjit Rane clarified that his banana orchard has suffered a loss of around Rs 15 lakh this year.
He said that the banana orchards along the river have been wholly destroyed.
Similarly, in Savarde-Tar, Kudshe Khadki, Advai, Vante and other areas, many banana plantations were damaged, he added.
According to Rane, there is a lot of mud in the orchards, which has made it challenging to continue agricultural work.
“This has created a lot of problems for many farmers at present. Wherever machinery of horticulture cannot be put into service, many labourers are required to remove the thick mud. Currently, getting workers is also a big challenge,” they said.
Ranjit Rane has demanded that arrangements be made for compensation immediately.
“Last year, we had a loss of around Rs 10 lakh. However, there was a small amount credited to our accounts. The guidelines of the Department of Agriculture are ridiculous to the farmers,” he said.
Rane said that the farmers can’t stand up again if the government continues with such a mentality.
